CN1945450A

CN1945450A - Adjustment mode control method for image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN1945450A
Application number: CNA2006101404544A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 木村邦恭; 渡边直人; 横山幸生; 西原宽人; 花田隆子
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2005-10-05
Filing date: 2006-10-08
Publication date: 2007-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-08
Also published as: EP2136260B1; EP1772781B1; US20070091390A1; EP2136260A1; EP1772781A1; JP4817788B2; JP2007101967A; CN100514204C; US7509063B2

Abstract

An adjustment time reduction mode of reducing adjustment operation time is provided such that a user can set the adjustment time reduction mode in which a user arbitrarily reduces the adjustment operation time, depending on the user's situation. An apparatus performing adjustment operation at a predetermined timing, monitors a timing at which the adjustment operation is to be performed and visually notifies a user of the timing at which the adjustment operation is to be performed before execution of a job requested by the user. When the adjustment time reduction mode is set, the apparatus reduces a time for the adjustment operation during execution of the job requested by the user, and the apparatus is caused to operate in the adjustment time reduction mode until the job is completed.

Description

Adjust apparatus operating and control method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to the equipment of a kind of adjustment modes control method and this control method of realization, relate in particular to a kind of adjustment modes control method and this image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus that uses electrophotographic method.

Background technology

In image forming apparatus such as printing machine, duplicating machine or printer,, regularly carry out the adjustment operation of various maintenance picture qualities, to keep the picture quality of certain level based on the quantity or the elapsed time that pass through the thin slice of this image forming apparatus.Along with the comprehensive transformation of recent image forming apparatus from the black and white to the colour, in the output function process, constantly increase for a large amount of adjustment operations that keep picture quality to carry out.The time scale of the adjustment operation of carrying out in the output function process as a result, becomes big.

Therefore, for example, even the user wants to produce fast a spot of output thin slice, this user also must wait for the adjustment operation of being carried out up to finishing in the output function process, just can obtain the output thin slice.

In order to keep the high image quality of image forming apparatus, carry out the adjustment operation of image forming apparatus.Yet, for the certain user, correctly read the required lowest image quality of character just be enough to produce resemble the test output that is used to check, only wish to be identified abandoned subsequently output in essence.Therefore, the certain user does not wish the increase of the output time that the interruption owing to the adjustment in output function process operation causes.

As mentioned above, need a kind of image forming apparatus, this equipment can be according to the residing situation of user, desirable picture quality or user's setting, operates and shortens output time by being minimized in the adjustment of carrying out in the output function process.

With respect to this background, the conventional art that reduces the time that is used for adjusting operation in the output function process is included in Japanese kokai publication hei 10-142857 communique.In Japanese kokai publication hei 10-142857 communique, when timer surpasses predetermined amount of time, be arranged on to carry out this moment and adjust operation.Yet, if when timer has surpassed the preset time section, just form operation, postpone to begin to adjust operation, till performed image forms operation and finishes in carries out image.This has prevented the image formation work of the adjustment operation interference user of the image forming conditions of carrying out automatically.As mentioned above, in Japanese kokai publication hei 10-142857 communique, when not carrying out output function, image forming apparatus is adjusted operation.This has the effect of the time minimization that makes the adjustment operation of carrying out in the output function process.

In TOHKEMY 2002-278177 communique, in the image forming apparatus that carries out image color adjustment operation, when being arranged to forbid image color adjustment operation, this equipment does not carry out image color adjustment operation.

Yet, in Japanese kokai publication hei 10-142857 communique, only when not carrying out image formation operation, keep the adjustment operation of picture quality.Therefore,, can not in the output function process, adjust operation, so exist to keeping the restriction of picture quality even when for example producing output function in a large number.

In TOHKEMY 2002-278177 communique, forbid adjusting operation by being provided with of carrying out of the service operations personnel with special knowledge.TOHKEMY 2002-278177 communique aims to provide the technology that a kind of shortening is used to install the set-up time of image forming apparatus.If identical technology is applied to general user and allow the user at random to forbid adjusting operation, then the user need judge whether to forbid to adjust operation.For the user, be difficult to carry out such judgement, so operation is forbidden adjusting in user's possible errors ground.

As mentioned above,, can't change the timing of adjusting operation easily and optionally, perhaps prolong the interval of adjusting operation easily and optionally and reduce the number of times of adjusting operation by the user by the user according to traditional technology.In addition, for the user, can not begin according to residing situation of user or the easy adjustment shortening pattern that also at random is provided with of desirable picture quality, adjust in the shortening pattern at this, shorten the time that in image output function process, is used to adjust operation by simple substitution is carried out in the adjustment operation.

According to traditional technology,, can not before beginning image output, the user know the time of the adjustment operation that will carry out in the output function process in advance for the user.Therefore, when many of placements have the image forming apparatus of same size, select very soon to adjust apparatus operating for the requirement of a quick generation number output thin slice with can need not user view.

Adjust the function that the shortening pattern begins even equipment has to be provided with, when the user did not know will adjust operation in advance in the output function process before the beginning image is exported, the user also can't judge whether to be provided with adjustment shortening pattern and begin.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve aforesaid traditional problem, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of adjustment time decreased pattern of adjusting the running time of reducing adjusts the time decreased pattern and begins to allow the user to be provided with according to user's situation, adjust under the time decreased pattern at this, the user at random reduces the adjustment running time.Another object of the present invention is to adjust the timing of operation, the quantity of output thin slice, the interval of adjusting operation and adjustment running time etc. about adjusting the information of operation by notifying the user to begin, and make the user easily judge whether to reduce the setting of adjusting the running time, improve user's operability.

To achieve these goals, the invention provides and a kind ofly regularly adjust apparatus operating predetermined, described equipment comprises: monitor unit is used to monitor the timing that will carry out described adjustment operation; And notification unit, be used for before carrying out the operation that the user asked, visually notifying the user will carry out the described timing of described adjustment operation.Utilize this structure, notify the user whether will adjust operation.This makes the equipment handled can for example selected.

This equipment also comprises: the unit is set, is used to be provided with the time decreased pattern of adjusting, described adjustment time decreased pattern reduces the time that is used for described adjustment operation in carrying out the operation process that the user asked; And control module, be used for when when the unit being set being provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, this equipment being worked, under described adjustment time decreased pattern till described operation is finished by described.Owing to handle adjustment operation in the operating process according to the residing situation of user or desirable quality, therefore provide this equipment can prevent the prolongation in processing time.

Under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by being longer than, the interval of carrying out described adjustment operation adjusts the normal interval that operation is carried out, reduce the time that in carrying out operation process, is used for described adjustment operation.Under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by carrying out and reducing the time that in carrying out operation process, is used for described adjustment operation with the adjustment operation of carrying out than the normal short time of adjustment operation required time.After the end of job that is provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, carry out the described adjustment operation of not carrying out owing to described adjustment time decreased pattern.The quality that can keep equipment like this in the time except that operating period.

It is a kind of at the predetermined image forming apparatus of regularly adjusting operation that the present invention also provides, and described image forming apparatus comprises: monitor unit is used to monitor the timing that will carry out described adjustment operation; And notification unit, be used for before carrying out the operation that the user asked, visually notifying the user will carry out the timing of described adjustment operation.

When the present invention is used for image forming apparatus, described adjustment operation comprises the toner concentration adjustment operation that is used to adjust the toning dosage that will replenish, and under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by increasing threshold value as the print point counting of the condition of carrying out described adjustment operation, prolong the time interval of adjusting operation, described adjustment operation is used to form toner and adjusts piece image (toner patch image) and proofread and correct the toning dosage that will replenish based on the concentration value of adjusting the piece image by the detected described toner of concentration detecting unit.Alternatively, described adjustment operation comprises the image color adjustment operation of the current potential that is used to adjust photosensitive drums, and under described adjustment time decreased pattern, shorten the time of adjusting operation by the multiplicity of reduce measuring charge characteristic and changing the pre-exposure condition, described adjustment operation be used to control pre-exposure condition so that the charge characteristic of photosensitive drums drop in the predetermined scope.When described adjustment operation also is included in coloured image formation, be used for the inaccurate adjustment operation of chromatography of the chromatography inaccurate (color misalignment) of correction of color composition.

The present invention also provides a kind of predetermined method of regularly adjusting apparatus operating that is controlled at, and this method comprises: monitoring step is used to monitor the timing that will carry out described adjustment operation; Notifying process is used for visually notifying before carrying out the operation that the user asked the user will carry out the timing of described adjustment operation; Step is set, is used to be provided with the time decreased pattern of adjusting, described adjustment time decreased pattern reduces the time that is used for described adjustment operation in carrying out the operation process that the user asked; Controlled step is used for when when step being set being provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, described equipment being worked, described under described adjustment time decreased pattern till described operation is finished.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, adjust the function that the time decreased pattern begins by providing to reduce the adjustment time decreased pattern of adjusting the running time and allow the user to be provided with arbitrarily, can make the delay minimization of the output function that in the output function process, causes owing to the interruption of adjusting operation.

In addition, adjust the timing of operation, the quantity of output thin slice, the interval of adjusting operation and adjustment running time etc. about adjusting the information of operation by notifying the user to begin, the user is easy to judge whether to reduce the setting of adjusting the running time.

According to the present invention, can provide a kind of and can make the equipment of adjusting the delay minimization in the operation.Therefore, can provide a kind of image forming apparatus with high availability, it allows the user easily to change the adjustment operation according to residing situation of user or desirable picture quality.

From below with reference to the explanation of accompanying drawing to exemplary embodiments, other features of the present invention will become obvious.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the figure of example of schematic structure that the image forming apparatus of embodiment is shown;

Fig. 2 A is the block diagram of example of structure of control module that the image forming apparatus of present embodiment is shown;

Fig. 2 B is the figure of example that is illustrated in the memory construction of ROM among Fig. 2 A and RAM;

Fig. 3 A is the process flow diagram that is illustrated in the example of the control procedure when operation begins in the image forming apparatus of present embodiment;

Fig. 3 B is the process flow diagram of the example of the control procedure when being illustrated in the end of job in the image forming apparatus of present embodiment;

Fig. 4 is that the figure that regularly adjusts example at interval with prolongation is adjusted in explanation in according to the guidance panel of present embodiment;

Fig. 5 is that the figure that regularly adjusts another example at interval with prolongation is adjusted in explanation in according to the guidance panel of present embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram that the example of the process of operating according to the toner concentration adjustment of present embodiment is shown;

Fig. 7 illustrates the figure that determines to carry out according to the example of time of the toner concentration adjustment operation of present embodiment;

Fig. 8 shows and prolongs the figure carry out according to the example in time interval of the toner concentration adjustment operation of present embodiment;

Fig. 9 illustrates (the diffusely reflected light) amount that diffuses of the image forming apparatus that is used for present embodiment and mixes colours to concern the figure of example between the dosage;

Figure 10 is the figure that concerns example between specular light (specularly reflected light) amount that the image forming apparatus that is used for present embodiment is shown and the toning dosage;

Figure 11 is the figure that the example image forming apparatus that is used for present embodiment, that concern between reflection light quantity and the toning dosage under by the situation of specular light detection type concentration detection sensor sense colors toner is shown;

Figure 12 is the figure that illustrates as the example of structure of the optical sensor of the concentration detection sensor of present embodiment;

Figure 13 shows explanation and is used for the measurement of image forming apparatus of present embodiment from the figure of the method for the light quantity of background reflectance;

Figure 14 is the process flow diagram of example that the process of adjustment piece (patch) the measurement of concetration operation of carrying out in the present embodiment is shown;

Figure 15 illustrates the figure that the concentration of using is in the present embodiment adjusted the example of piece image;

Figure 16 is the figure that the example of the concentration conversion table that uses in the present embodiment is shown;

Figure 17 is the example of adjustment time was adjusted regularly and shortened in explanation in according to the guidance panel of present embodiment figure;

Figure 18 is the process flow diagram that the process of operating according to the normal bulging current potential adjustment of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 19 is illustrated in according to concentration in the bulging current potential adjustment operation of present embodiment with respect to the figure that concerns example of development contrast current potential (development contrast potential);

Figure 20 is the process flow diagram that illustrates according to the example of the process of the bulging current potential adjustment operation of the shortening of present embodiment; And

Figure 21 is the figure that is illustrated in according to the example of the printer operation unit panel in the principal computer of present embodiment.

Embodiment

Below with reference to the image forming apparatus of accompanying drawing detailed description according to the embodiment of the invention.Notice that although as the example of image forming apparatus present embodiment is described with duplicating machine with the printer unit that uses electrophotography, the present invention is not limited to present embodiment.The present invention is intended to realize reducing the adjustment running time in the processing procedure of adjusting apparatus operating in processing procedure, and does not reduce the quality of processing.The equipment of realizing this technological thought is also included among the present invention.

The example of structure of the image forming apparatus of present embodiment

Fig. 1 is the longitudinal sectional drawing of structure of master unit that the image forming apparatus of present embodiment is shown.

As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus of present embodiment comprises image forming apparatus main body 10 and equipment for after-treatment 500.Main body 10 comprises cis 400 and the printer 300 that is used to read original image.

Original copy feeder 100 is installed on the cis 400.Original copy feeder 100 since first page in order one connect a ground and give left and send the original copy thin slice of on the original copy pallet, upwards placing, make every original copy thin slice by crooked passage, from left to right carry the original copy thin slice by the scan flow position on the flat board member (platen) 102, and it is discharged pallet 112 to the outside discharge.When every original copy thin slice during, by the image on the scanner unit 104 scan manuscript thin slices that remain on corresponding position, scan flow position from left to right by the scan flow position on the flat board member 102.This method is commonly called the original copy scan flow.More specifically, when every original copy thin slice when the scan flow position, utilize the scanning plane of rayed original copy thin slice of the lamp 103 of scanner unit 104, will be directed to lens 108 from the light of original copy thin slice reflection by mirror 105,106 and 107.The light of scioptics 108 forms image on the shooting face of imageing sensor 109.

As mentioned above by carrying the original copy thin slice to make the original copy thin slice, use perpendicular to the direction of original copy thin slice throughput direction and read scanning as the original copy of sub scanning direction as main scanning direction and throughput direction from left to right by the scan flow position.That is, when the original copy thin slice when the scan flow position, when on main scanning direction by imageing sensor 109 during by the image of line scanning original copy thin slice, the original copy thin slice is carried along sub scanning direction, thereby scans the image of whole original copy thin slice.Imageing sensor 109 is converted into view data with optically read image, and exports this view data.From view data processing through being scheduled to image signal control unit 230 (explanation after a while) of imageing sensor 109 outputs, be input to the exposure control module 110 of printer 300 then, as vision signal.

Also can carry out the scanning of original copy thin slice by the following method: original copy feeder 100 is transported to the original copy thin slice on the flat board member 102, and make the original copy thin slice be parked in the preposition place, in this state, scanner unit 104 is along sub scanning direction scan manuscript thin slice from left to right.This scan method is so-called original copy scanning constant method.

When not using original copy feeder 100 scan manuscript thin slices, the user at first lifts original copy feeder 100, and the original copy thin slice is placed on the flat board member 102.Scanner unit 104 is the scan manuscript thin slice from left to right, thereby carries out the scanning of original copy thin slice.That is, when not using original copy feeder 100 scan manuscript thin slices, carry out the original copy scanning constant.

The exposure control module 110 of printer 300 is based on incoming video signal modulation and output laser.Yellow), 111b (M: magenta), 111c (C: cyan) and 111d (Bk/K: black) when being scanned by polygonal mirror 110a, laser is applied to photosensitive drums 111a (Y:.On each photosensitive drums 111a～111d, form electrostatic latent image corresponding to scan laser.Exposure control module 110 is exported laser when the original copy scanning constant, thereby forms correcting image (not being mirror image), as described later.

Utilization makes the electrostatic latent image on photosensitive drums 111a～111d be visualized as the developer image from the developer that developing cell 113a (Y), 113b (M), 113c (C) and 113d (Bk/K) provide.Synchronous with the beginning laser radiation, sent thin slice from box 114 or 115, manual paper feeding unit 125 or two-sided transfer passage 124, thin slice is transported between photosensitive drums 111a～111d and the transfer printing unit 116a～116d.The developer image that on photosensitive drums 111a～111d, forms by transfer printing unit 116a～116d be transferred to give on the thin slice that send.

Conveying belt 201 is carried thin slice, and conveying belt 201 also is used as the middle medium of adjusting the piece image that forms of adjustment piece detection ATR (Auto TonerReplenishment, the automatic color regulating agent replenishes) that present embodiment is used to proofread and correct the toning dosage that will replenish.Concentration detection sensor 200 detects the concentration of the adjustment piece image that forms on conveying belt 201.Notice that the sensor that rouses surperficial current potential of measuring the image color adjustment operation that is used for present embodiment is also not shown in the drawings to avoid overcrowding.

There is the thin slice of developer image to be transported to fixation unit 117 transfer printing.Fixation unit 117 utilizes fixing roller (not shown) heating and pushes this thin slice, thus with the developer image fixing to thin slice.Thin slice by fixation unit 117 is discharged to the outside via baffle plate 121 and distributing roller 118 from printer 300.

When thin slice will be with image forming surface when downwards the state of (facing down) is discharged, the thin slice by fixation unit 117 is first directed into inverting channel 122 by the blocked operation of baffle plate 121.After the back edge of thin slice is passed through baffle plate 121, the counter-rotating thin slice, and it is passed through distributing roller 118 discharge from printer 300.Below the thin slice of the type discharged be called the counter-rotating thin slice and discharge.When first page forms image in order, for example when forming when using the image that original copy feeder 100 reads, perhaps when the image that forms from computing machine output, the thin slice that reverses discharge.The thin slice of discharging is arranged by page or leaf is correct.

When 125 giving hard thin slices such as sending projection transparent (overhe adtransparency) film when forming image thereon from manual paper feeding unit, by distributing roller 118 this thin slice is discharged with the image forming surface state of (towards last) of making progress, and this thin slice is not directed to inverting channel 122.

Carry out double-sided recording modes if image forming apparatus is set, promptly form image on the two sides of thin slice, then the blocked operation by baffle plate 121 is directed to inverting channel 122 with thin slice, is transported to two-sided transfer passage 124 then.Control, make that the thin slice that has been directed into two-sided transfer passage 124 was delivered between photosensitive drums 111a～111d and the transfer printing unit 116a～116d once more in the above-mentioned time.

To deliver to equipment for after-treatment 500 from the thin slice that printer 300 is discharged.Equipment for after-treatment 500 carries out bonding (binding) and handles, binds (stapling) processing and punching processing such as (punching).

The example of structure of the control module in the image forming apparatus of present embodiment

Fig. 2 A is the block diagram that is illustrated in the example of structure of the control module in the image forming apparatus of present embodiment.Fig. 2 A illustrates the relation between the image formation unit 220 of the control module 210 of the control entire image forming device relevant with the processing of present embodiment and the formation of control chart picture.For fear of too crowded, Fig. 2 A only shows and the closely-related assembly of feature of the present invention.

Control module 210 has the CPU 211 that is used for s operation control.Control module 210 also has RAM 212 that is used to store the ephemeral data that used by CPU 211 or program and the ROM 213 that is used to store fixed data and software, and this software is carried out with the operation image forming apparatus by CPU 211.Control module 210 also has: main control unit 214, the operation of its control image formation unit 220; And A/D converting unit 215, its various types of sensors from image formation unit 220 receive simulated data, and this simulated data is converted to numerical data.Control module 210 also has and is used to generate the test pattern generation unit 216 that concentration is adjusted test pattern such as piece.

Image formation unit 220 has image forming part 221, and this image forming part 221 comprises: exposure control module 110, photosensitive drums 111a～111d, developing cell 113a～113d, box 114 and 115, manual paper feeding unit 125 or two-sided transfer passage 124, transfer printing unit 116a～116d and fixation unit 117.Image formation unit 220 also has various types of sensors 222 of the unit state that is used for monitoring picture formation portion 221.Image formation unit 220 forms with view data that sends from control module 210 or concentration and adjusts the corresponding images of test pattern such as piece according to the instruction from main control unit 214.At any time send to control module 210 from image formation unit 220 by various types of sensor 222 detected data.

Fig. 2 B shows the example of the part storage organization of ROM 213 in the control module relevant with present embodiment 210 and RAM 212.Notice that Fig. 2 B only shows and the closely-related zone of present embodiment.

In Fig. 2 B, keep among the ROM 213 of Fig. 2 A in this example by the represented storage area of Reference numeral 213a～213g.Reference numeral 213a represents to operate the system program of image forming apparatus, and this system program is general purpose O S or specific program.The image that Reference numeral 213b is illustrated in present embodiment forms the adjustment control module of controlling the time of adjusting operation in (execution operation) process of processing.Reference numeral 213c represents the toner concentration adjusting module, the toner concentration adjustment operation shown in its example of controlling as the adjustment time of present embodiment below control.Reference numeral 213d presentation video concentration regulating module, the image color adjustment operation shown in its another example of controlling as the adjustment time of present embodiment below control.Reference numeral 213e represents that chromatography forbidden adjusting module, and its control is adjusted operation as chromatography of another example of the adjustment time control of present embodiment is inaccurate.

Reference numeral 213f has represented to store the regularization condition parameter list that is used to begin adjust the condition of operation.For example, for the operation of the toner concentration adjustment shown in the present embodiment, the default threshold value (back explanation) of having stored the accumulated value of video counting (video count).Reference numeral 213g represents to adjust the processing parameter table, and it has stored the adjustment processing parameter that uses in adjusting operation.For example, for the operation of the image color adjustment shown in the present embodiment, stored default varying width (back explanation) 2.0V of pre-exposure input voltage.

Kept the storage area of representing by Reference numeral 212a～212f among the RAM 212 in this routine Fig. 2 A.Note,, then they can be stored among the ROM 213 if the parameter that is stored in the storage area has fixing value.Reference numeral 212a represents to be used to be stored in the regularly zone of the data of screen of the adjustment shown in following Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Figure 17.Reference numeral 212b represents to prolong at interval parameter, and each parameter is used when providing the indication that prolongs at interval for an adjustment operation.For example, for the toner concentration adjustment operation that illustrates in the present embodiment, stored the threshold value (back explanation) of the accumulated value of video counting, this threshold value is to obtain by initial threshold being become higher value.Reference numeral 212c represents to adjust the shortening parameter list, and it has stored the parameter of using that is used to adjust shortening in adjusting operation.For example, for the image color adjustment operation that illustrates in the present embodiment, the expression formula or the coefficient k of having stored the varying width (back explanation) that is used to calculate pre-exposure (pre-exposure) input voltage.

Reference numeral 212d presentation video forms the processing operation formation, and it has been stored will be by the operation of image forming apparatus execution.Reference numeral 212e presentation video forms deal with data, and it has passed through to form in image forming apparatus and has handled.Reference numeral 212f represents when carrying out these programs from external memory unit load module such as disk and by CPU 211, the zone that this program is loaded into.

External memory unit (not shown in Fig. 2 A) comprises data storage areas and program storage area.

The example of the operation of the image forming apparatus of present embodiment

Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B are the process flow diagrams of example of adjustment control procedure that the image forming apparatus of present embodiment is shown.Fig. 3 A shows the example of the processing procedure when the beginning operation; Fig. 3 B shows the example of the processing procedure when finishing operation.

In step S31, show to be used to operate the menu of image forming apparatus as initial setting up screen (see figure 4).In step S32, judge and on the initial setting up screen, whether indicate " adjustment " key.If any processing of indication except that " adjustment " then carried out according to this indication and handled.Processing except that adjusting operation comprises " printing " processing.

If indicated " adjustment " key, then flow process enters step S33.In step S33, create and show and adjust regularly screen (seeing Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Figure 17).According to adjusting regularly the key of indicating on the screen, flow process enters different processing.If indication " prolongation " key, then flow process enters step S35 from step S34 and to adjust accordingly to prolong at interval (by changing about adjusting corresponding conditions regularly) is set.If indication " shortening " key, then flow process enters step S37 to carry out the shortening setting of the time of adjustment accordingly from step S36.If indication " returning " key, then flow process turns back to step S31 to show the initial setting up screen from step S38.

In step S39, judged whether to indicate to be used to reset " reset key " that " prolongation " or " shortening " carried out be provided with.If indicated " resetting " key, then flow process enters step S40.In step S40, the value of adjusting time parameter is accordingly returned to its default value, flow process is returned step S33.On the other hand, if do not indicate " resetting " key, then flow process is returned step S33 and is not carried out any processing.

Fig. 3 B is the process flow diagram that is illustrated in the example of the processing procedure when finishing operation.

Judge in step S42 the image at step S41 forms whether arrived adjustment in the processing procedure regularly.For example, for the toner concentration adjustment that the following describes operation, whether surpassed threshold value based on the accumulated value of the video counting of any color and carried out this judgement.On the contrary, for image color adjustment operation, carry out this judgement based on the printout of whether having passed through preset time or whether produced scheduled volume by printing.Arrive if judge to adjust regularly, then interrupt images forms and handles, and flow process enters step S43 to be judged as essential adjustment operation.For example, in the toner concentration adjustment of the explanation operation, form and adjust the concentration of piece image below with detected image, the corrected value of the toning dosage that calculating will replenish, and adjust the toning dosage that will replenish.On the contrary, in image color adjustment operation, when measurement has applied the current potential on each drum surface of charging current, adjust the pre-exposure input voltage.Carry out this adjustment operation, make the varying width of the current potential that drum is surperficial drop in the predetermined scope.When the adjustment operation was finished, flow process was returned step S41 and is formed processing to restart image.

Do not arrive if in step S42, judge to adjust regularly, then in step S44, judge whether to reach the terminal point of operation.If do not reach terminal point, then flow process is returned step S41 and is formed processing to continue image.On the other hand, if reached the terminal point of operation, then flow process enters adjustment that step S45 makes before the operation in beginning by the user to reset " prolongations " is provided with at interval, adjustment " shortening " is provided with etc.In this example, the parameter of the parameter that use from be stored in RAM 212 switches to the corresponding reference parameter that is stored among the ROM 213.In step S46, carry out the adjustment operation of in carrying out operation process, not carrying out.Be provided with if make " prolongation ", then, therefore when the end of job, carry out this adjustment of not carrying out operation in operation process because the adjustment that need carry out usually operation is not carried out.This has prevented the reduction of picture quality.

The example that the toner concentration adjustment of the example that prolongs at interval as the adjustment of present embodiment prolongs at interval

In image forming apparatus, carry out multiple adjustment operation to keep the highest picture quality.A kind of operation wherein will be described below, i.e. toner concentration adjustment operation.

The coloured image forming device of present embodiment adopts following developing method: use in developing cell 113a～113d by mixing the tow-component developer that toner and carrier (carrier) particle form.When using this tow-component developer,, need make toner and the ratio between the carrier granular (T/C ratio) in each developing cell keep constant in order to keep high picture quality.As the scheme that realizes this target, carry out toner concentration adjustment operation.

In toner concentration adjustment operation, for every kind of color, main control unit 214 accumulations are counted from the video that view data obtained.As shown in Figure 7, when the value of accumulating for any one color has surpassed the threshold value of adjusting piece detection ATR execution, carry out toner concentration adjustment operation.

Toner concentration adjustment prolongation at interval

Fig. 4 is arranged on the figure of structure of the guidance panel 1300 of cis 400 fronts.

Reference numeral 1301 expression display units, its display operation state and message.The surface of display unit 1301 constitute touch panel and when its appropriate section of touch as options button work.Reference numeral 1302 expression numeric keypads 1302, it comprises the key that is used to import umber.Reference numeral 1303 expression initiating keys.Begin operation by pressing this initiating key 1303.

Regularly display key is adjusted in Reference numeral 1304 expressions.When pressing key 1304, initial display screen becomes guidance panel screen 1310.On screen 1310, show each time interval by the adjustment operation of regularly carrying out according to the image forming apparatus of present embodiment.For example, for toner concentration adjustment operation, regularly the maximal value in the accumulated value of the video counting of color is the accumulated value of the video counting of K (black) in the right-hand member presentation graphs 8 of the filling part of bar 1311.Regularly adjust piece in the right-hand member presentation graphs 8 of bar 1311 and detect the threshold value that ATR carries out.Therefore, when the filling part of timing bar 1311 arrives regularly the right-hand member of bar 1311, satisfy the condition of adjusting operation of carrying out, and carry out the corresponding operation of adjusting automatically.Key that be used to reset " prolongation " and " shortening " is provided with and the key that demonstration is returned initial screen on this screen, have also been shown.

Reference numeral 1312 expressions are adjusted and are prolonged key at interval.When pressing key 1312, prolong the time interval of adjusting between the operation corresponding.In the present embodiment, when the adjustment of pressing toner concentration adjustment operation prolongs key 1312 at interval, shown in the b and c of Fig. 8, adjust the threshold value that piece detects the ATR execution, prolong the time interval between the toner concentration adjustment operation by increasing.For example, if the threshold value that adjustment piece detection ATR carries out increases to the twice of default value, then the relation between the threshold value of the accumulated value of video counting and adjustment piece detection ATR execution becomes shown in the b of Fig. 8.According to this relation, the maximum right end position that prolongs corresponding timing bar 1311, and the timing bar 1311 after the demonstration prolongation are shown in guidance panel screen 1320.

Notice that as another example, regularly the maximum right end position of bar 1311 can remain unchanged.According to this relation, can correspondingly shorten the regularly filling part of bar 1311, show the timing bar 1311 of the filling part that includes this shortening, shown in guidance panel screen 1330.

For example, if what prolonged is 1.5 times of default interval at interval, then shown in the c of Fig. 8, according to the accumulated value of video counting with adjust piece and detect and concern Displaying timer bar 1311 between the threshold value that ATR carries out, shown in guidance panel screen 1340.

As another example, the timing information of adjusting the operation execution can be added to each regularly bar 1311, as shown in Figure 5.Every timing information can be as the number percent information as shown in the field of the toner concentration adjustment operation of guidance panel screen 1350 or as the field of operating in the adjustment of drum current potential as shown in the information about thin slice quantity.As shown in the guidance panel screen 1360, guidance panel screen 1350 can be used to show the screen of adjusting the influence that causes at interval owing to prolonging is shown, and this screen points out the user to confirm to carry out this prolongation pressing corresponding adjustments when prolonging key at interval.

If the user before print job or beginning press one of them during print job and adjust and prolong key at interval, then increase as mentioned above and carry out the corresponding threshold value of adjusting operation, print operation then.Yet, thereby because threshold value increases not influence of output image, therefore in the print job process, during the threshold value when accumulated value reaches increase after, adjust operation at this moment accordingly.If accumulated value has surpassed original threshold value when print job finishes,, also carry out the corresponding operation of adjusting even then during the threshold value after accumulated value does not reach increase.

Toner concentration adjustment operation

Fig. 6 illustrates the example of control according to the toner concentration adjustment operation of present embodiment.

Toner concentration adjustment operation is divided into two kinds of operations substantially.A kind of piece complement operation 310 that is to use the video counting, another kind are based on the adjustment piece that the concentration of formed adjustment piece image is measured and detect ATR (the automatic color regulating agent replenishes) 320.

In piece complement operation 310, whenever printing when operation, count (video counting) (S311) from what view data was measured every kind of color, use the consumption (S312) of the calculating toner of counting.After this, consider and utilize to adjust the consumption that piece detects the toner that the result calculated of ATR, the toning dosage of the best is added among each developing cell 113a～113d.

In adjusting piece detection ATR 320, on conveying belt 201, form toner and adjust piece (concentration adjustment piece) image, and based on proofreading and correct the toning dosage that will replenish to each developing cell by concentration detection sensor 200 detected respective concentration values.This operation that combines with piece complement operation 310 is to make the T/C in each developing cell more constant than maintenance than the higher precision of independent use piece complement operation.

Judge to carry out when main control unit 214 and adjust time that piece detects ATR when arriving, carry out and adjust piece and detect ATR 320 (S321).As mentioned above, for every kind of color, the video counting that main control unit 214 accumulations obtain from view data.As shown in Figure 7, when the value of accumulating for any one color had surpassed the threshold value of adjusting piece detection ATR execution, main control unit 214 was carried out the adjustment pieces and is detected ATR.

Adjust time that piece detects ATR when arriving when judging to carry out, main control unit 214 indication test pattern generation units 216 are formed for adjusting the test pattern of piece measurement of concetration.Unit in the test pattern generation unit 216 control image forming parts 221, and on conveying belt 201, form concentration adjustment piece (S322).Concentration is adjusted piece and can be respectively formed on photosensitive drums 111a～111d.Yet, in this case,, concentration detection sensor need be set for each photosensitive drums.In the present embodiment,, on conveying belt 201, form concentration and adjust piece, and detect the concentration adjustment piece of all colours by a concentration detection sensor 200 in order to reduce the quantity of concentration detection sensor.Concentration detection sensor 200 uses light source irradiation concentration to adjust piece, and to be subjected to the catoptrical intensity of light sensors.The signal of expression intensity of reflected light carries out the A/D conversion by A/D converting unit 215, and is handled by CPU211.

The example of structure of concentration detection sensor

The following describes the concentration detection sensor 200 of adjusting the piece measurement of concetration.Usually, the method that concentration detection sensor 200 uses is divided into two kinds substantially, that is, and and the method for the method of the diffuse reflection component of detection of reflected light and the specular components of detection of reflected light.

Describe the method for diffuse reflection detected component below in detail.The diffuse reflection component is the reflecting component that is perceived as color.Being characterised in that, is the increase that concentration is adjusted toning dosage in the piece with the amount of colouring matter, and the diffuse reflection light quantity increases.

Fig. 9 is applied to the diffuse reflection light quantity of image forming apparatus of present embodiment and the figure of the relation between toning dosage (toner concentration).

The light of adjusting the piece reflection from concentration also is the feature that diffuses along the even propagation of all directions.In order to eliminate the influence of specular components (back explanation), a kind of concentration detection sensor of diffuse reflection detected component is arranged such that illumination angle and acceptance angle are different.Yet, when the concentration sensor of this diffuse reflection detected detects the concentration of black toner, because the black toner absorbing light, so it can not detect from the light of black toner reflection.In order to handle this problem, designed for example following method: use color background to adjust the background of piece, and detect the concentration of black toner by measurement from the light quantity that is hidden in the background reflectance under the black toner particle as concentration.Yet,, need to adjust Resistance Value as the conveying belt 201 that forms the background of adjusting the piece image in order to keep the thin slice carrying capacity reliably., carbon black is dispersed on the conveying belt 201, so the color of conveying belt 201 normally black or lead for this reason.If attempt to detect the concentration of the black toner on conveying belt 201, then concentration is adjusted not reflected light of piece and background, and the concentration sensor of this diffuse reflection detected component can not detect black toner.Therefore, need to use the concentration sensor of a kind of detection specular light (back explanation).

Figure 10 is the figure of the relation between direct reflection light quantity and the toning dosage.To describe the method for the specular components of detection of reflected light below in detail.

A kind of concentration sensor that detects specular light detects the light that reflects along the direction symmetrical with respect to the normal of background surface (conveyor belt surface) and illumination angle.The specular light amount depends on the distinctive refractive index of background material and by the determined reflectivity of surface state, and is perceived as gloss.Adjust piece if on background, form concentration, then under toner, hide the part background that has toner on it, and these parts reflected light not.Therefore, adjust the toning dosage of piece and the relation between the direct reflection light quantity for concentration, as shown in figure 10, the direct reflection light quantity reduces along with the increase of toning dosage.The concentration sensor of this detection specular light does not detect from the light of toner reflection and the main light that detects from background reflectance.The concentration of can carrying out this concentration sensor detects and does not consider the color of toner and substrate, and compares with the concentration sensor of this diffuse reflection detected light and to have advantage.Because greater than the diffuse reflection light quantity of diffuse reflection component, therefore the concentration sensor of this detection specular light also has advantage to the reflection light quantity of specular components on accuracy of detection usually.Therefore, when Electrifier frame, photoreceptor being carried out the concentration detection, wish to use the concentration sensor of this detection specular light.

Yet if the concentration detection sensor sense colors toner of this detection specular light, problem takes place thereupon.When adjusting piece with the concentration of rayed color toner, diffusing increases along with the increase of toning dosage.As mentioned above, diffuse and evenly propagate along all directions.Therefore, by detected only specular components of this concentration sensor and diffuse reflection component sum.

Figure 11 illustrates the relation of mixing colours this moment between dosage and the reflection light quantity.This relation is the fine line of expression properties of specular reflection and the dotted line sum of expression diffusing characteristic diffuser, to form the negativity characteristic of being represented by heavy line (negative characteristic).

Therefore, in order to utilize specular light and the two the characteristic of diffusing, configuration is as the concentration detection sensor 200 of the detection part that uses in the image forming apparatus of present embodiment as shown in figure 12.More specifically, concentration detection sensor 200 comprises: the diffuse photo detector Vos 803 of component of a light-emitting component (LED) 801, photo detector (photodiode) Vop 802 and being used to that is used for the direct reflection light component of irradiates light.Photo detector Vop 802 is arranged on the position of the reflected light component that makes its irradiates light that can detect self-emission device 801, this component on conveying belt with the angle reflection identical with irradiates light.Each photo detector Vos 803 is arranged on the position of the reflected light component that makes its irradiates light that can detect self-emission device 801, and this component is adjusted the piece reflection by polarizing filter (polarizing filter) by the concentration on the conveying belt.

From the specular light detection type concentration sensor of the light of background reflectance, if the surface state of background changes with use amount, then therefore the direct reflection light quantity changes in main detection.Therefore, it is effective carrying out following correction: for example, use from the light quantity of background reflectance and come normalization to adjust the light quantity of piece reflection and the amount after the normalization is converted to concentration information (hereinafter referred to as background correction) from each concentration.Consider the inhomogeneous of conveyor belt material and the state variation that conveying belt was caused by the elapsed time, wish to adjust the measurement that identical time that piece forms and same place are used for background correction from the light quantity of background reflectance with each concentration.

Measurement comprises following method from the example of the method for the light quantity of background reflectance.First method is to measure alternately that concentration is adjusted piece and from the method for the light quantity of background reflectance, shown in a of Figure 13.Second method is not only to adjust the front of piece but also adjusted the method for the back planar survey of piece from the light quantity of background reflectance in concentration in concentration, shown in the b of Figure 13.The third method is to measure from the light quantity of background reflectance around conveying belt to form the method that concentration is adjusted piece then, shown in the c of Figure 13.In the present embodiment, the method by Figure 13 a forms adjustment piece image.

Again with reference to figure 6, the process that piece concentration detects (S323) of adjusting is described by reference Figure 14.

S1001: at first use the adjustment piece view data that generates from test pattern generation unit 216, adjust piece PY, PM, PC and PK point-blank along vertically form yellow, magenta, cyan and the black concentration of conveying belt 201.Figure 15 illustrates the figure that concentration is adjusted the piece size.In the present embodiment, each concentration is adjusted piece and is of a size of 16.24mm along main scanning direction, is of a size of 20.3mm along sub scanning direction, as shown in figure 15.

S1002: concentration detection sensor 200 is measured the concentration that concentration is adjusted piece PY, PM, PC and PK.As shown in figure 12, by using photo detector Vop diffuse reflection detected light component and using photo detector Vos to detect the direct reflection light component, detect the concentration that each concentration is adjusted piece.When each concentration adjustment piece on the conveying belt 201 passed through the surveyed area of concentration detection sensor 200, it was the concentration of eight points of 15ms that concentration detection sensor 200 detects sampling interval.

S1003: by remove the maximum mean value with the concentration value of six points that obtain of minimum from eight points is the testing result of concentration detection sensor 200.This testing result is carried out the A/D conversion by A/D converting unit 215, and the result after the A/D conversion is stored among the RAM 212 of image forming apparatus.

S1004: after this, carry out dark current correction (dark current correction), from the testing result of concentration detection sensor 200, to eliminate the influence of the factor except that adjusting the detection of piece concentration.This trimming process may further comprise the steps: when the light-emitting component 801 that makes concentration detection sensor 200 remains on non-luminous state, measure the output of photo detector 802 and 803, from concentration is adjusted the measurement result of piece, deduct the result under the luminance not, remove the influence of adjusting the factor the detection of piece concentration thereby from measurement result, eliminate.Testing result after the dark current correction is stored among the RAM 212, as measurement result Sig.PY, Sig.PM, Sig.PC and the Sig.PK of the component that diffuses and measurement result Sig.SY, Sig.SM, Sig.SC and the Sig.SK (not shown) of direct reflection light component.After measurement of concetration, remove concentration by the band clearer from conveying belt and adjust piece.

S1005: calculate specular components from the measurement result of the component that diffuses and the measurement result of direct reflection light component.The expression formula that is used for this calculating is expressed as:

Sig.R＝Sig.P-k1×Sig.S

Wherein k1 is the specular components detection coefficient.Coefficient k 1 changes along with the characteristic of concentration detection sensor and installation site, and when the concentration of having measured every kind of color toner is adjusted piece, determines that coefficient k 1 makes that Sig.R is 0.In the present embodiment, color coefficient k1Y, k1M, k1C and k1K are made as 0.254,0.241,0.23 and 0 respectively.The situation of k1=0 means that the component measurement result that diffuses accordingly of concentration detection sensor is left in the basket to be disregarded, and adjusts piece concentration for image and detects and only use corresponding specular light component measurement result.

S1006: the specular components of independent measurement conveying belt and the concentration that do not form is adjusted piece, and represent this measurement result with Sig.RB.By using measurement result Sig.RB normalization Sig.R to eliminate the influence of the surface state of background.Being used for normalized calculation expression is expressed as:

Sig.R’＝A×Sig.R/Sig.RB

Wherein A is a normaliztion constant.In the present embodiment, because image color is that unit controls with 10, therefore use 16 hex value 3FF (=1023) as constant A.

S1007: for example, when measuring black concentration adjustment piece, because the component measurement Sig.Pk ≈ 0 as a result that diffuses, therefore the Sig.R ' that is obtained in step S1006 is approximately equal to 0.That is, the concentration that each concentration is adjusted piece is high more, and the value of Sig.R ' is more little.Therefore, use translation table Sig.R ' shown in Figure 16, make that Sig.R ' and image color are proportional.

S1008: determine to adjust piece image color Sig.D.

Again with reference to figure 6, each and desired value in the adjustment piece image color that is obtained are compared (S324).

For every kind of color goal-selling value.Adjustment piece image color is higher than corresponding desired value and means that the T/C ratio in each developing cell 113a～113d is higher than corresponding optimum value.On the other hand, adjusting the piece image color is lower than corresponding desired value and means that the T/C ratio in each developing cell 113a～113d is lower than corresponding optimum value.Therefore, calculate the corrected value (S325) of the toning dosage that in each developing cell, will replenish based on the difference of adjusting piece image color and desired value.Replenish in 330 at toner, use corrected value and the combination of the piece magnitude of recruitment that calculates from the video counting is carried out toner and replenished.Thereby the T/C ratio among each developer unit 113a～113d can be remained the best.

The example of the shortening image color adjustment operation of an example that shortens as the adjustment of present embodiment

As another example a kind of variation is described with the adjustment operation of adjusting the current potential on each photosensitive drums 111a～111d.

Use the photosensitive drums of amorphous silicon (amorphous silicon) photosensitive drums as present embodiment.This is because the amorphous silicon photoreceptor drum has the advantage that is better than normally used organic photoconductor (OPC:organic photo conductor) photosensitive drums.These advantages comprise: for the resistibility and the remarkable durability of the surface abrasion that continuous use caused, and high some repeatability.Yet the amorphous silicon photoreceptor drum also has a shortcoming, i.e. dark decay rate (dark decaying rate) height.Dark decay be by charging unit to photosensitive drum charging after, the phenomenon that the current potential of photosensitive drum surface reduces along with elapsed time.Because dark decay changes image forming conditions such as conditions of exposure and development conditions, if therefore image forming conditions such as conditions of exposure and development conditions always keep constant, the image deflects such as concentration reduction of atomizing (fogging) or visual picture then can appear.Therefore, when having spent the given time or having produced the printout of specified rate by printing, with the current potential on the photosensitive drums facing surfaces potentiometer measurement photosensitive drums, thereby based on measurement result control pre-exposure condition.In the present embodiment, surface potential sensor is measured photosensitive drum surface current potential Vd1 and the Vd2 with respect to two primary current value lp1 and lp2 respectively.Use (Vd2-Vd1)/(lp2-lp1)=α, according to body-body difference and drum-drum difference or the variation in elapsed time control pre-exposure light quantity.

Figure 17 illustrates the structure of the guidance panel that is arranged on cis 400 fronts as shown in Figure 4.In order to allow the user operate easily, preferably do not name respectively adjusting of on guidance panel, showing to operate according to the effect of adjusting operation according to adjusting the kind of operating.Result along with drum current potential adjustment operation changes owing to image color, therefore will rouse current potential adjustment operation called after image color adjustment operation.

When pressing adjustment timing display key 1304, the initial demonstration of guidance panel becomes screen 1710.Under the situation of above-mentioned bulging current potential adjustment operation, the right-hand member of the filling part of corresponding timing bar 1711 is represented to rouse the quantity that the output thin slice of having printed is operated in the current potential adjustment from the last time.Regularly the right-hand member of bar 1711 is represented to adjust the accumulated value of 100 output thin slices of operational threshold as carrying out the drum current potential.Therefore, when the filling part of timing bar 1711 reaches right-hand member, satisfy and carry out the condition of adjusting operation, and automatically perform bulging current potential adjustment operation.

Reference numeral 1712 expression adjustment are shortened key.When pressing key 1712, the corresponding adjustment required time of operation is shortened.Note, adjust operation, the object lesson that the adjustment that illustrates after normal adjustment operation and the shortening is operated for shortening.

If the user before print job or beginning press during print job to adjust and shorten key 1712, then as mentioned above, the corresponding execution time of adjusting operation is shortened, and carries out print job then.Thereby adjust operation to not influence of output image although shortened, also do not wish not adjust normally for a long time operation.Therefore, shorten key 1712, the bulging current potential adjustment operation of in five bulging current potential adjustment operations, also once not shortening even supress to adjust.In addition, shorten key 1712, when print job finishes, also will carry out the adjustment operation of not shortening even supress to adjust.

Normal picture concentration adjustment operation

Figure 18 is the process flow diagram that the example of the process that is used for normal picture concentration adjustment operation is shown.

After at first applying the charging current of 800 μ A, measure drum surface potential Vd1 (S1502) around each photosensitive drums then.Then after applying the charging current of 1200 μ A, also measure drum surface potential Vd2 (S1503) around each photosensitive drums.By the alpha value calculated (S1504) of α=(Vd2-Vd1)/(1200-800).Judge whether α＜0.8 (S1505) and α 〉=1.2 (S1507) whether.If α is not less than 0.8 and less than 1.2, then the pre-exposure input voltage remains unchanged.

If α is less than 0.8, then the pre-exposure input voltage reduces 0.2V (S1506).Repeat this step, up to α become be not less than 0.8 and less than 1.2 till.If α drops in the scope of 0.8≤α＜1.2, then select the pre-exposure of this moment.

Similarly, if α is not less than 1.2, then the pre-exposure input voltage increases 0.2V (S1508).If α still is not less than 1.2 after the pre-exposure input voltage changes, then the pre-exposure input voltage further increases 0.2V (S1508).Repeat this step, up to α become be not less than 0.8 and less than 1.2 till.If α drops in the scope of 0.8≤α＜1.2, then select the pre-exposure of this moment.

Based on following thought, the allowed band of α is set to the scope of 0.8≤α＜1.2.

The lower limit α min of α is made as 0.8 to guarantee rechargeable electrical energy.That is, even under will the situation of combination as charge condition about the stringent condition in the tolerance of main body, drum, environment, charging device etc., the α value that also can obtain the target charging potential by the limit capacity of using charging device be made as α min.The upper limit α max of α is made as 1.2, and the α value of the permission potential level of iconic memory phenomenon (the following describes) takes place in α max for acquisition.The iconic memory phenomenon refers to that the vestige of previous formed image is retained in the phenomenon on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor.

In this variation, the permission potential level that the iconic memory phenomenon takes place is made as 5V.This value is definite as getting off.From the different potentials level that the iconic memory phenomenon takes place, select the potential level of permission based on subjective estimation.In the image that allows potential level, measure at a part of image under the no iconic memory phenomenon and the concentration difference Δ D between a part of image under the iconic memory phenomenon.Notice that Δ D equals 0.05.

Figure 19 illustrates as the concentration of the developing property of the image forming apparatus of this variation relation with respect to the development contrast current potential.As shown in figure 19, concentration change is 0.01/V with respect to the maximal value of development contrast potential change (hereinafter referred to as " development Y ").Therefore, the permission potential level of iconic memory phenomenon be defined as 5V (=0.05/0.01).The α value of this moment is elected to be α max.Even the various conditions about main body, drum etc. change, thus obtained value α min, α and α max (α min≤α≤α max) can be set similarly also.

In the present embodiment, use by surface potential meter 41 measure the Δ Vd/ Δ lp that obtains with respect to the bulging surface potential Vd1 of two primary current value lp1 and lp2 and Vd2 (=α), differ from according to the change in elapsed time or body-body difference and drum-drum and to control the pre-exposure light quantity.Therefore, poor according to the durability deterioration that is caused by the elapsed time or body-body difference and drum-drum, the image that can optimally form, this image do not have the iconic memory phenomenon and have the high concentrations of contrast that the charging potential by abundance obtains.Note, in the present embodiment, just carry out above-mentioned bulging current potential adjustment operation whenever the thin slice quantity of printing reaches at 100 o'clock.

The image color adjustment operation of shortening

Figure 20 is the process flow diagram that the process of (drum current potential adjustment operation) is operated in the image color adjustment that shortening is shown.Notice that step S1802～S1805 is identical with step S1502～S1505 and the S1507 of Figure 18 with S1807.

If α is less than 0.8, then k2 * (0.8-α) [V] that is used to change the coefficient k 2 of pre-exposure input voltage by use reduces pre-exposure input voltage (S1806).If α is not less than 1.2, then increase pre-exposure input voltage (S1808) by k2 * (α-1.2) [V].Variation from Figure 18 to Figure 20 in control reduced up to α become be not less than 0.8 and less than 1.2 till the number of times (repetition time) of repeating step.

As another example, when pressing adjustment shortening key 1712, at step S1802 and/or S1803, can rouse surface potential Vd1 and Vd2 around photosensitive drums half cycle or the several point measurements on photosensitive drums, and can use this measurement result to determine drum surface potential Vd1 and Vd2.Owing to be not to measure, therefore shortened the required time of operation of adjusting around drum.

Notice that present embodiment shows each adjustment " prolongations " and the adjustment " shortening " at interval that is used for toner concentration adjustment operation and image color adjustment operation (drum current potential adjustment operation).Yet the present invention is not limited to this.The present invention also comprises for example Fig. 4 and inaccurate interval " prolongation " and " shortening " of adjusting operation and other adjustment operation of chromatography shown in Figure 17.

Present embodiment uses duplicating machine as image forming apparatus, and has illustrated as the notice parts of the time that is used to notify the user will adjust operation and adjust and shorten operating unit panel that parts are set and the key on this panel.Yet,, can realize the control identical on PC screen as shown in figure 21 by the notice parts being set and adjusting and shorten the data that parts are set and notify the image forming apparatus input with present embodiment if image forming apparatus is a printer.

In other words, the present invention's equipment that can be applied to comprise the system of multiple arrangement (for example, principal computer, interface arrangement, printer etc.) or integrated equipment or constitute by single assembly.

The present invention is not limited to image forming apparatus, and has realized reducing and adjust apparatus operating is used to adjust operation in processing procedure time in processing procedure, and does not reduce the quality of any processing.The equipment of realizing this technological thought is also included among the present invention.

Beyond any doubt, can also realize purpose of the present invention like this: provide the storage medium (or recording medium) of the software program code that records the function that is used to realize the foregoing description to system or equipment, read and carry out the program code that is stored in this recording medium by the computing machine (or CPU or MPU) of this system or equipment.In this case, the program code of reading from recording medium itself is realized the function of the foregoing description, and the recording medium of storing this program code constitutes the present invention.Not only by carrying out the function that the program code of reading is realized the foregoing description by computing machine.Certainly, the present invention also comprises following situation: Yun Hang operating system (OS) is based on the instruction of program code on computers, operating part or whole actual treatment, thus realize the function of the foregoing description.

The present invention also comprises following situation: the program code that will read from storage medium writes the function expansion card that inserts computing machine or is connected in the storer of functional expansion unit of computing machine, CPU in this function expansion card or the functional expansion unit etc. are based on the instruction of program code, operating part or whole actual treatment, thereby the function of realization the foregoing description.

If the present invention is applied to storage medium, comprise that then the program code of the program code corresponding with above-mentioned process flow diagram is stored in this storage medium.

Although describe the present invention, be appreciated that to the invention is not restricted to disclosed exemplary embodiments with reference to exemplary embodiments.The scope of appended claims meets the wideest explanation, thereby comprises all this variation, equivalent structure and function.

Claims

1. be scheduled to regularly to adjust apparatus operating for one kind, described equipment comprises:

Monitor unit is used to monitor the timing that will carry out described adjustment operation; And

Notification unit is used for visually notifying before carrying out the operation that the user asked the user will carry out the described timing of described adjustment operation.

2. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The unit is set, is used to be provided with the time decreased pattern of adjusting, described adjustment time decreased pattern reduces the time that is used for described adjustment operation in carrying out the described operation process that the user asked; And

Control module is used for when when the unit being set being provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, described equipment being worked, by described under described adjustment time decreased pattern till described operation is finished.

3. equipment according to claim 2, it is characterized in that, under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by being longer than, the interval of carrying out described adjustment operation adjusts the normal interval that operation is carried out, reduce the time that in described operation implementation, is used for described adjustment operation.

4. equipment according to claim 2, it is characterized in that, under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by carrying out and reducing the time that in carrying out described operation process, is used for described adjustment operation with the adjustment operation of carrying out than the normal short time of adjustment operation required time.

5. equipment according to claim 2 is characterized in that, after the described end of job that is provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, carries out the described adjustment operation of not carrying out owing to described adjustment time decreased pattern.

6. one kind at the predetermined image forming apparatus of regularly adjusting operation, and described image forming apparatus comprises:

7. image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that, also comprises:

8. image forming apparatus according to claim 7, it is characterized in that, under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by being longer than, the interval of carrying out described adjustment operation adjusts the normal interval that operation is carried out, reduce the time that in carrying out described operation process, is used for described adjustment operation.

9. image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is characterized in that, described adjustment operation comprises the toner concentration adjustment operation that is used to adjust the toning dosage that will replenish, and

Under described adjustment time decreased pattern, prolong the time interval of adjusting operation by increasing the threshold value of counting as the print point of the condition of carrying out described adjustment operation, described adjustment operation is used to form toner and adjusts the piece image and proofread and correct the toning dosage that will replenish based on the concentration value of adjusting the piece image by the detected described toner of concentration detecting unit.

10. image forming apparatus according to claim 7, it is characterized in that, under described adjustment time decreased pattern, by carrying out and reducing the time that in carrying out described operation process, is used for described adjustment operation with the adjustment operation of carrying out than the normal short time of adjustment operation required time.

11. image forming apparatus according to claim 10 is characterized in that, described adjustment operation comprises the image color adjustment operation of the current potential that is used to adjust photosensitive drums, and

Under described adjustment time decreased pattern, shorten the time of adjusting operation by reducing the multiplicity of measuring charge characteristic and changing the pre-exposure condition, described adjustment operation is used to control described pre-exposure condition so that the charge characteristic of described photosensitive drums drops in the predetermined scope.

12. image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described adjustment operation is included in the inaccurate inaccurate adjustment operation of chromatography of chromatography that is used for the correction of color composition when coloured image forms.

13. image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is characterized in that, after the described end of job that is provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, carries out the described adjustment operation of not carrying out owing to described adjustment time decreased pattern.

14. one kind is controlled at the predetermined method of regularly adjusting apparatus operating, described method comprises:

Monitoring step is used to monitor the timing that will carry out described adjustment operation;

Notifying process is used for visually notifying before carrying out the operation that the user asked the user will carry out the described timing of described adjustment operation;

Step is set, is used to be provided with the time decreased pattern of adjusting, described adjustment time decreased pattern reduces the time that is used for described adjustment operation in carrying out the described operation process that the user asked;

Controlled step is used for when when step being set being provided with described adjustment time decreased pattern, described equipment being worked, described under described adjustment time decreased pattern till described operation is finished.

15. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described equipment is image forming apparatus,

Described adjustment operation comprises the toner concentration adjustment operation that is used to adjust the toning dosage that will replenish, and

16. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described equipment is image forming apparatus,

Described adjustment operation comprises the image color adjustment operation of the current potential that is used to adjust photosensitive drums, and